Suzuki GS650G 1981 1982 1983

The 1982 Suzuki GS650G came with shaft drive, adjustable suspension (Rebound and preload in the back, and air valves on the front), double disk brakes on the front, a single disk on the back, a really cool lighted gear indicator on the dashboard, and electronic ignition, and it was quicker through the quarter mile than the BMW and Moto-Guzzi shaft-drive bikes of the era. It weighs 499 pounds with a full tank of gas. Suzuki claims it produces 72 horsepower.

One source clocked the 1982 Suzuki GS650G at 12.91 seconds in the quarter mile and stated the top speed was 125MPH. Period road tests say the engine burns oil. One source states on a broke in bike it burned a quart every 1,800 miles.

*A Cardan drive for motorcycles in connection with which the housing, within which the ring gear connected with the rear wheel is contained and the pinion connected with the Cardan shaft is mounted is supported via an upwardly extending control arm operatively connected to a guide member pivoted to the frame at a point thereof lying above the swing arm of the rear wheel.

Appraisal Values

Instruments

above: The exact style on 1982 GS650G

Used Motorcycle Buyers Guide Review

(British Publication)

SUZUKI GS650M: Tuned up GT with Katana styling. Occasional cam, clutch, valve and gearbox problems up to 35k which become much more common thereafter until crank or pistons start to break up after 50k. Good on motorways and usable down country lanes if a touch heavy going. The excellent styling means that quite a few ended up cherished and remain in remarkably good nick, despite the way the exhaust, calipers and alloy rots in a winter.

SUZUKI GS650GT: Fat, shaft drive slob but engine tough for first 30k then camshaft, valve and tensioner hassles; crankshafts can go after 60k. Particularly susceptible to alternator and rectifier demise, rotting wiring can cause days of amusing hassle. Look for quiet top end, shaft drive that doesn't ruin the gearchange and smooth power delivery. Crank on the way out causes harsh vibes from 5000rpm up.

Old air-cooled UJMs, some still chugging on. G was Katana-styled but unfaired road bike. Occasional cam, clutch, valve and gearbox problems. Good on motorways and usable down country lanes if a touch heavy going and ponderous. Wide seat gives short riders a tough time. The excellent Kat styling means that some are cherished and in remarkably good nick. GT was a shaft drive shunter but engine tough. Both susceptible to alternator and rectifier demise. E was rare chain drive variant. Look for quiet top end, shaft drive that doesn’t ruin the gear change and smooth power delivery. Dying cranks cause harsh vibes from 5000rpm up.

GSX600F, GSX750F Katanas: These are high-performance sportbikes that require a rider with self control, but they are such good all-around motorcycles that if you think you can trust yourself, you might want to consider buying one.

Some GS650G SUZUKI Brochure Pages

above: The quality of the page is not great, but these are difficult to find (for free).

1981 SUZUKI GS650GX Restoration Needed

Note the extra width on the Suzuki GS650GX model. Like the GT, this GX is a "FAT" model. The bike pictured below is a 1981 GS650GX.